LaPerm

The GCCF describes the LaPerm as a clever, curious, outgoing, easygoing and affectionate cat; it says the breed suits families with children and friendly dogs, enjoys climbing frames and toys, and can learn tricks and retrieving. The CFA paints a similar picture: affectionate, intelligent and interested in people, active and easy to train yet fond of curling up in a lap, usually getting along with other pets and children, and generally quiet.

It suits households that can play with a cat, offer climbing spaces, and are home often or can give the cat attention. As a clever, people-oriented cat, it may not enjoy being ignored.

The story starts in 1982 on a farm in The Dalles, Oregon. According to the GCCF, a barn cat gave birth to a bald kitten with tabby markings; by three months the kitten had grown a full coat of curls. Its owners, Linda and Richard Koehl, noticed that the curl gene was dominant and different from other Rex (curly coat) genes, and began a planned breeding program. The CFA writes that the first kitten was called "Curly," and that Linda Koehl took control of the breeding and named the breed LaPerm.

Recognition varies by registry:

• TICA: According to the GCCF, it recognized the breed in 2002.
• CFA: It accepted the breed for registration in 2000 and granted championship status in 2008. The CFA says kittens born after January 2025 may have only LaPerm parents; in other words, the period when breeding to domestic cats was allowed has closed.
• GCCF: The breed arrived in the UK in 2002, received preliminary recognition in 2004 and championship status in 2012. GCCF registration policy allows breeding to certain other breeds; those cats must be healthy and DNA tested for relevant genetic conditions.
• FIFe: It lists the breed as LPL (longhair) and LPS (shorthair) and allows breeding only to other LaPerms.

According to the GCCF and CFA, the LaPerm is a medium-sized, medium-boned cat that feels heavier than it looks. The head is a modified wedge, the ears are large and cupped, and the eyes are almond-shaped, looking rounder when the cat is alert.

• Coat: The breed's signature. The GCCF calls it "shaggy waves, curls and ringlets." According to the CFA, the curl ranges from loose waves to tight corkscrews, and the tightest curls are on the throat, the underside and the base of the ears. The longhaired variety has a neck ruff and a plumed tail; the shorthaired coat is shorter and crisper, with a bottle-brush tail.
• Colors: The CFA accepts every color that is genetically possible. The Karpati pattern ("reverse pointing") is unique to the breed. The GCCF accepts all colors and patterns, and color and eye color are not judged.
• Size: According to the GCCF, usually 5 to 8 lb (2.3 to 3.6 kg). The CFA says cats mature in 2 to 3 years, with females maturing before males.
• Kitten coats: According to the GCCF, kittens can be born bald with curls appearing later; FIFe says straight-coated kittens can also be born to two curly parents.

For the coat, the GCCF recommends regular combing with a wide-toothed comb, and longhaired cats need it more often. Small mats can be teased out gently with a slicker brush. According to the CFA, because the curls hold loose hair, shedding is minimal and mats are uncommon. Some cats' coats get oily and may need an occasional bath, using a product made for cats rather than human shampoo (the way your veterinarian shows you). For more, see cat grooming.

• Sun: The CFA reminds owners that sparsely haired or bare patches can sunburn; keep an eye on sun exposure.
• Mind and movement: A clever, active cat; give it a climbing tree, toys, fetch games and puzzle feeders. See also play for indoor cats and why cats love high places.
• Nails: A scratching post is essential; trim nails the way your veterinarian shows you.

We found no special diet advice for the LaPerm. A balanced, complete cat food suited to age and lifestyle is enough. Even for an active cat, measure the food, subtract treats from the daily amount, set the daily amount with your veterinarian, and weigh your cat monthly. A curly coat can hide extra weight, so check beneath the fur by hand.

The following is for information only; ask your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

The CFA says no breed-specific health problems are known in the LaPerm and that the breed has a genetically diverse background. The GCCF page also does not mention breed diseases; it only notes that its registration policy allows breeding to other breeds, which it says helps avoid known breed-specific problems. That does not mean there are none; for a small breed, we found no independent health research. Ask the breeder:

• About the health checks and DNA test results of the mother and father.
• How diverse the pedigree is (whether there is close inbreeding).
• Whether the kitten has had a veterinary check.

As with any cat, regular veterinary checks of the heart, kidneys and teeth are a good starting point. If you see redness or burns on bare or sparsely haired spots, show your veterinarian.

We found no breed-specific lifespan study for the LaPerm. The GCCF gives a range of 12–15 years; that is a registry's general range, not research data. Lifespan is most affected by an ideal weight, regular veterinary checks, spaying or neutering, and a safe home. Asking about the parents' age and health history when you get a kitten fills this gap a little. Regular checks, vaccinations, parasite prevention and dental care are the foundation of care; ask your veterinarian which checks they recommend as your cat ages.

• Think about shelters too: Curly or wavy-coated cats are rare, but affectionate, people-oriented cats turn up in shelters all the time.
• If you buy from a breeder: Ask to see the mother and father; ask about health checks, DNA test results, the pedigree and vaccination records. Stay away from sellers who sell any straight or slightly wavy cat as a "LaPerm." Because curl is a dominant gene, straight-coated kittens can be born to LaPerm parents (FIFe). They are a natural part of the breed but count as a "non-recognized variety" for showing.
• Red flags: Sellers who will not show the mother, who always have kittens for sale, who offer no paperwork, or who rush you to "buy now."
• Legal registration: In Türkiye, microchipping and PETVET registration are mandatory for cats. Details are in our article on PETVET registration and microchips.
• The first days: International Cat Care recommends starting a new cat in a single room, leaving a place to hide, and waiting for the cat to come out on its own rather than forcing it. Our first week with a new cat article walks through it step by step.